Scott outlines areas for fitness improvements Published Nov. 7, 2012 By Karen Petitt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Scott AFB officials are taking steps to alleviate five major concerns in regards to fitness facilities and programs identified in a recent base-wide survey. "We've known that our fitness facilities have had inadequate space for the amount of people we serve here, which is why it has been No. 1 on our military construction priority list for several years," said Col. David Almand, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. "However, it is clear that funding for a new building, which is our desire, will not become reality for several years, so we are focusing on other things we can do now to alleviate some of the issues." Those five areas of concerns are: inadequate space (for individual and group PT), allowing for 24-hour access to the fitness centers, having better ventilation in the fitness centers, having more cold weather options for group PT, and replacing broken equipment. Inadequate space Scott AFB is considered a large installation when it comes to authorizing facilities, equipment and staffing, however, funding has not matched the need for expansion. The base operates two fitness areas--the Fitness Center, located in a historical building that precludes expansion, and the James Sports Center. Ideally the base would like to construct a new fitness facility in place of the James Sports Center since it only has 45 percent of the space allocated by regulation. Construction of a new fitness center would require approximately $14 million in congressionally approved funding. In lieu of a completely new fitness center, officials have been considering other options since construction or renovation projects allowed without congressional approval has a current cap of $750,000 and is more apt to get funded. Base leaders have come up with other projects that complement the existing space such as a $90,000 project for the James Sports Center that will create a new multipurpose room, restripe current racquetball courts, and update the family cardio room with new equipment designed for children. To make room for these items, the base will go from having five racquetball courts to three, which is still one more than the Air Force authorizes the base to have. Gailyn Gonzalez, Scott's Fitness Director for the past seven years, said "We do have a robust racquetball player community, so we understand the concern with swapping out the courts for the multipurpose rooms. However, we have repeatedly been asked to make these other options available for people so we are working to accommodate everyone's desires while meeting the needs of our active duty members as well." 24-hour access Scott AFB is one of the test bases the Air Force has designated to develop a policy, conduct an Operational Risk Assessment, and work to implement 24-hour accessibility for the fitness facilities. The idea is to allow members to use the facilities after hours to accommodate shift workers or those who do not participate during the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. when the James Sports Center is normally staffed. The wing commander is currently reviewing the procedures, which may require using a person's Common Access Card and which would require personal responsibility and safety agreements. Once approved, the implementation date is slated for January or February depending on the access and security system install. Ventilation for the James Sports Center and Fitness Center A new $650,000 project has been funded for the James Sports Center to upgrade the heating and air conditioning systems, fix the electrical system, resolve functional and aesthetic deficiencies and complete minor roof repairs. The renovation will also address upgrades in the men's locker room. Officials are working toward awarding the project to a contractor with plans to begin work sometime next year. In addition, Gonzalez said they looked into the ventilation conditions for the Fitness Center and the recommendation from experts is to install large fans that hang from the ceiling to ensure better air circulation. A work order is submitted, but it is yet to be funded. Cold weather options for group PT One of the more interesting dynamics these past few years in fitness center usage is a direct result of the Air Force's PT programs and commanders mandating group fitness times. Before, there was always a stampede during lunch times for individual fitness, and while lunch time hours still remain busy, the peak times for use is now 6:30-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. For the most part squadrons have been creative with working around the lack of indoor options during inclement weather conditions. For instance, the medical clinic is using space on the bottom floor of their building and the Honor Guard building is available when those teams aren't using their gym space for practice. Right now the Unit Fitness Program Manager and Physical Training Leaders can sign up to use the base fitness facilities on a first-come, first-served basis, and that list is renewed each quarter. There are no sign ups for the lunch hour because it's open basketball time. To help create more useable space, the base will be placing synthetic turf on the existing James Sports Center's football field. This is a $715,000 project that has been funded, but still awaiting an award to a contractor. The idea is to make it possible to do PT year round in this area. Base leadership would also like to look into a covering for that entire area, but estimates for construction exceed the $750K threshold and would require congressional approval. There have also been repeated requests for the Fitness Center pool to be enclosed so it can be used year-round, but the cost to cover the fitness center pool is excessive and is not being addressed at this time. The James Sports Center pool is slated for demolition as is the pool located at the Essex House lodging area due to failing infrastructure and excessive costs to repair and upkeep. Costs for a year-round pool have also not been budgeted and base officials encourage those who prefer water sports and water aerobics to participate with the numerous local sports facilities that do provide that for a reasonable cost. Those who live in privatized housing also have the options to use the community center pools for exercise as well. The wing commander said he encourages units to work together to share prime locations for working out or offer up space to others if it's not well known what's in the area. Many tenant organizations, such as the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, have built mini-gyms within their buildings to accommodate their staff, which is highly encouraged. Replacing broken equipment Gonzalez said that Scott AFB carries the top of the line fitness equipment and during the holiday break will be replacing $126,000 worth of equipment--not including another $23,000 in equipment for the new multipurpose room at the James Sports Center which was bought through the Comprehensive Airman Fitness funding source. She said they also have maintenance crews who check and fix equipment weekly, but also acknowledges that if equipment is broken that it may sit until there is additional funding to fix it or replace it. Gonzalez also explained that some units who are authorized to have equipment accounts can work with the fitness staff to acquire items that would otherwise be turned into for re-use. That equipment becomes the property of the unit and the gym staff is not responsible for its maintenance. "I think we do a good job of having a variety of quality equipment available, and with the upgrades we are planning, it will be a much better environment," she said. "We are always working on more options for everyone." Almand agreed and said he wants to make sure that the base launches initiatives that not only meet the needs of today, but also meets the needs of the base population down the road in four to five years as well. "I encourage everyone to keep providing feedback through the appropriate channels, and we'll communicate the way ahead in more detail as we move forward," he said.